Blueprint: Metro Ethernet

The True Cost Implications of a <br>Metro Network Architecture

Currently, network architectures are often based on IP routers with SONET/SDH MSTPs in every office, handling a traffic mix of TDM-based services including voice and low-to-high-speed private lines, as well as packet-based services such as Internet, IPTV, VoIP and IP-VPN and Carrier Ethernet. With the advent of hybrid packet-optical transport systems, new low-cost, scalable architectures are possible. In fact, many services that have traditionally been carried end-to-end through IP/MPLS networks can now be transported and switched through Ethernet/OTN-optimized packet optical networks.

WiMAX: New Kid on the Block... And a Step to 4G

The newest WiMAX standard, 802.16e-2005 (Rev-e), not only supports mobility, it has as its heart OFDMA technology -- an air interface which has already been adopted as the basis of all next-generation, or 4G, wireless technologies. But it goes farther than just the air interface. 4G is expected to consist of OFDM-based radio networks -- boosted by advanced antenna technologies such as multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) and beam forming -- with flat-IP architectures that are packet switched, delivering an order of magnitude boost to end-user bitrates. Here's the pitch.

A New Class of All-IP Routers; At Your Service

For video and mobile broadband upgrades, major carriers and service providers are deploying multi-service edge routers (MSERs). ��MSERs can best be thought of as a service control point that combines subscriber management, edge routing, and Ethernet aggregation over either ATM or Ethernet networks. Additional features such as network security, P2P traffic management, and session border controls for VoIP services, can be added as the MSER and the market demands for them.

Survivable Optical Networks: Intelligent Control Planes Enable Self-healing Networks

Recently, in a couple of incidents, undersea cable lines were cut or damaged by what appears to be dragged or discarded ship anchors. The adverse impact of interrupted transoceanic network traffic � often entailing significant financial consequnces � is prompting many network operators to move beyond pre-existing submarine cable network restoration plans. Control plane-based automation schemes are a key tool to enhance network survivability.

Network Evolution to 100 Gbps

As data demands increase exponentially, current 10 Gbps networking has become insufficient to meet tomorrow�s networking needs and, while 40 Gbps is entering a growth phase, it is insufficient for many future network applications. Network infrastructure is preparing for the next leap� to 100G.

Ethernet VPLS: An Alternative to IP MPLS for Post-Frame Relay Communications

As applications continue to push the limits of networking, it is clear that legacy networks such as Frame Relay and ATM will not scale to support enterprise demands. To date, IP MPLS services have been the only viable alternative for medium to large-size enterprises. While IP MPLS addresses the need for any-to-any connectivity and CoS, the service is difficult to implement and manage. With advances in networking technology, such as VPLS, CoS, and EAPS, Ethernet services have emerged as a compelling alternative to IP MPLS services.

Architectural Choices for Ethernet/Optical Transport Convergence

Network operators face a multitude of choices in creating a converged Ethernet-Optical transport network. Here we examine three such options: IP-over-DWDM, Carrier Ethernet Overlay, and Carrier Ethernet Transport.